University of North Texas Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of North Texas know before they start?

Amber

I would tell myself to choose my university based not on the financial aspect or what my parents wanted, but on what I wanted and what might be best for me. I understand that maybe I would've enjoyed a smaller campus or one with a lot less emphasis on the arts and more on sports. It might've been easier for me surrounded by people who think like me. And I would've preferred a more challenging academic atmosphere in my particular major.

Kristin

If I could go back to my not so "prime" senior year of high school, I would only give myself the advice to push harder. As a senior in high school I did throughly try to get my grades to their upmost being, but I do believe I could have tried harder. My naive and adolesent attitude to the real world and college did not help in preperation either. As any average student, high school was all about having fun and living it up with your friends. The only thing I would have changed is it stick my head in the books more often than I did. Also I would tell myself to save save save, money is hard to come by when your lacking in time and balancing a job with school. I would give myself a steardy foot to stand on, and an open heart to everyone.

Maria

the best advice i would give my self, going back on time is " you want to get your college degree from a university that is widely respected. Apply for all the scholarships you can find. Get started on your future apply for many schools you can so that at the end you will have were to chooes from and NEVER GIVE UP . If you cant find financial aid, theres allways a way to pay for school. And Stay in God's pat. Ask many questions there are friendly faculty to guide you. You'll be glad to learn that most classes are taught by faculty, not teaching assistants. You are not in High school anymore so pay alot of attention, do your best, make alot of a+ so you can graduate. And that there is allway the military to help you in the area to get the best out of you. Scholarships, grants and other financial aid programs are available for you.if you want to graduate faster and start erning sooner, take advantafe of UNT'S timely graduation tuition program, you can graduate earlier without paying much more. And Join the Air Force as Soon you can.

Kathryn

As a high school student, I was worried about so much - the roommate, being away from home, the classes. I would definitely tell myself not to worry. I would tell myself that I was prepared for the transition and that college was going to be a lot of fun, a lot of work, and a whole lot of new experiences that are going to change me. I would also tell myself that change is okay and that the first year of college will be the year that I find a whole new side of myself, and it's going to be great.

Malaka

If i were able to go back into time and give myself some advice, I would tell myself to make sure that you give your senior year everything you have. Growing up, my older siblings have always told me that senior year is your year off. Sadly, I actually listened to them, placing my academic career at risk. I would say, Malaka, senior year is where you should give it 100 percent. Apply for as many scholarships as you can and take out loans if you must. Also, start out with a private room beacuse you know that you like to be alone and have your own space. In order to avoid future confontations, register for a private room. Stay on top of your school work and don't let senioritis catch up to you. Malaka you know that procrastinate at times, so do everything that you need to do a week before they're due. Work hard and strive for the best. If i could go back in time, I would assure myself that everything is fine and that God is always with me and work hard and don't slack off. Thanks for this opportunity. Thanks for reading.

Wren

If I were to go back to see myself as a senior and talk, I would first say to go and unpack half the clothes in the boxes because I had two roomates living with me in one dorm room. There wasnt much space and it would have been a thousand times easier if all three of us had not brought so much stuff to the room! Also I would tell myself to invest in a better pair of tennis shoes and running shorts for the gym. There is a rock climbing wall and you want tight fitting shorts and shoes to climb it! Lastly I would tell myself to be free. To not worry what other people think. Its college! Not some drama filled high school. You will be accepted it doesnt matter who or what you want to be.

Stefanie

If I could go back and talk to my graduating high school self as I went through the process of starting college, I would remind myself that while building relationships is an important part of college, academics were equally important. I would tell myself that you should be open to new experiences and never jusge a person because "that's not the type of person you would hang out with in high school." I would also tell myself that it's okay to start at a community college instead of starting out at a 4-year university. Most of all, I would remind myself that I'm good enough and I should be myself in order to fit in best.

Autumn

When applying to a public university in Texas during my senior year of high school I was ready to transition into the adult life. I was ready to take on the responsiblities of loan repayment after graduation and scholarship applications throughout college. I was also ready for my checking account to decrease due to allotted time for studying and not for working. As the first month of college moved by I was notified of an over due housing payment. Then a loan that had been cancelled due to wrong information from the financial aid department. Finally as the second semester began I had a loan that had been re-applied for that didn't enter my account in time for my next housing payment. The stress overwhelmed me and I began to think of the regrets I had. When I think back to my dream of a college experience I start to change my plans. A realisitic dream should of been community college with a payment of only four hundred dollars and living free at home. I would tell myself that you make the college experience not the college and to think about what is better in the end.

Lauren

While I was scrambling to find money for school, get all of the applications in, and just make sure I was academically ready for college, I stressed myself out so much that I had a mental breakdown. It is obvious that I survived my first semester of college, so I would basically tell myself that everything turns out greatly. Also I would tell my high school senior self that I need to make sure everything is done on time and to save up as much money as possible to pay for college expenses. not covered by the FAFSA money.

Courtney

I would say this as if I was talking to the young me: Transitioning from high school to college isn't easy. It sure isn't easy when you move away from everything and everyone you've ever known. That will be your biggest obstacle to overcome because you'll no longer be the almighty senior in all your high school glory. Remember that just because Mom said you'd have to go to community college because of financial situations doesn't mean your educational career is over. You must always strive. Just because everyone around you is moving onto universities doesn't mean that your path isn't less meaningful or significant. Sure, it's not the ideal situation, but you'll find your way and come to realize that there could be worse things in life. You may develop insecurities that won't dissipate over night, but keep that chin up. Most importantly, be yourself. Be the friendly, goofy person you've always been and you'll find people gravitating towards your positive energy. Have fun and take advantage of moving on from a small pond to the great ocean. You're your biggest critic. Remember that.

Chase

If I were able to go back in time about a year ago when I was a high school senior, I would honestly tell myself, "Hey me, keep up the exceptional work. I know you're dreading the end of your high school career. I know you know that you could've done better your freshman and sophomore year, but finish strong and make the most of your time left here. Don't be scared of all the challenges and obstacles you've heard about college. The majority of people who tell you college is a frightening monster are exaggerating the truth. I know me... and I know you're me from a year ago and I know that you are a very driven and goal-oriented person. Keep striving for everything you wish to achieve because you can do it. The most common misconception about your freshman year in college is that it's a nightmare. It is a bumpy transition, but in the end, your grades will reflect your effort and determination. Keep doing you, so you can still be me a year from now. Like everythin in life, it is what you make it. Stay driven.

Cristin

Late papers don't exist in college; unless u were on your death bed. If only I would have known that as a senior in high school; maybe then I would have been better prepared for the transition. If I could go back and speak to myself as a senior then i would definitely tell my self that Time management is key. Organization skills are a must, I would definitely have to hint to myself about that one. Clutter does exactly that, it clutters your focus, and also ties into time management. If it takes longer to find something because you don?t know where it is then that will definitely throw your schedule off. I would tell myself to definitely be on the professors good side; when in a jam they are the only ones who can be of any kind of assistance and it is all voluntary. If you get on a professors bad side by maybe showing up late on the first day, you had better be prepared to trench through that class. These are some really important things I wish I knew, if i could go back and tell my self this important information I would

Amber

When I was a senior in high school I was dedicated to making high grades and staying at the top of my class. Behind me though, was the motivation of my parents and teachers. In college, there is no one there to keep pushing and persuading you to do your homework or study for a test. " Learn how to motivate yourself to keep your grades up because the teachers in college do not care that you felt sick so you couldn't finish your homework or you didn't understand the concept. It will be your own responsibility to producing quality work with no excuses," is what I would tell myself. Also, we are not at home anymore. The college life gives a person freedom to do whatever they desire. This freedom is what distinguishes you as a drop out student or someone that cares for a good eduacation. I would warn myself to "stay ontop of my game. You have to organize your time wisely and realize what's really important. It's okay to have a little fun on the weekends if you have finished with everything but when it's time to buckle down, then do so."

Christopher

If I could go back into time and give myself advice about my future it would be to work harder and have a focus in life. I slacked off alot in high school because it seems cool to do just to fit in. Now after realizing that I barely made it through that, I could be doing so much more with my life. I proudly serve in the United States Army and worked my way to become a Non commisoned Officer and work in a leadership position now. If I knew I would be in the Army when I was in high school, I would have worked harder to better myself prior to joining the service. I could be a much higher rank and have more respect for myself and from others. So my advice would be to stay focus, work through the hard times and strive to be the best person that you could become.

Anna

If there's any advice I could give to high school seniors it would be not to give up. The application process for scholarships and admission to college can be quite overwhelming but it is very worth it. I would advise myself to plan ahead to meet deadlines more readily and to go after more scholarships. I would also remind myself that the next four years of my life is going to be all about ME and what I want to do for the rest of my life. I would advise myself to look into the future and choose a career not only based on the life style it may help me create but the amount of happiness it will bring. I truely believe that happiness is worth much more than money. I would tell myself to keep pushing through senior year, to battle through the SAT, and keep my GPA up, so that I will have the opportunity to pursue a college education and live a life that I love.

Bredric

If i could go back in time and talk to myself when i was a high school senior i would tell myself alot of things.I feel that i was more than ready for the transition from high school to college in every aspect except financial. Therefore, the things i would advise myself are financially based. I would advise myself to apply for more scholarships because college is very expensive. I would tell myself to work harder in the summer that way i would have more money for the fall. These are the things i would tell myself.

Ashley

Dear Ashley, You have finally made it! You?re a big senior in high school at the top of your class. Everyone around you is rooting for you, what are you planning to do after this? Helen Keller once said, ?College isn?t the place to go for ideas,? you have to strive and remember the importance of the outcome. Your peers will try to bring you down with them. ?Why you want to study now, come to this party tonight,? they might say. Keep holding your head up high and stick to what you know will benefit you. There will be plenty of times where you want to give up, but believe and surround yourself with positive people. This will ultimately get you through college and lead you to a successful life. So this is your time to shine! Don?t let all that smartness go to waist. Have fun, but stay focus. Love, Ashley

Elizabeth

Study, study, STUDY!!! I can not emphasize the importance of studying. I have failed several classes due to lack of studying and being unprepared. I would go back to myself as a high school senior and tell myself to learn to study in high school. I didn't have to study in high school and unfortunately translated that to college. I have learned the hard way to study, study, STUDY! Academics may not seem important in college, but they translate to success later in life. I will always pass this piece of golden wisdom on to younger students, family members, and even my own children. I do not wish for anyone to go through what I have gone through.

Jodi

If i could go back in time, i wouldn't really tell myself to do anything different than i'm doing now, but instead i would just reassure myself that i can do it. That i shouldn't phych myself out just because i will be a freshman again. I would also tell myself not to worry about picking a school that is three hours away, because no matter what my family will support me and love me, and will always be with me just like they are now.

Elizabeth

I know a lot of teachers, counselors and family often 'push' the tougher classes in high school; the sciences, advanced mathematics, some 'AP' classes; but they could be worth the extra time and struggle once you get into college. I see now that enjoying my senior year and not taking Physics because my friends didn't - may make succeeding in the college version tougher than necessary! Also, quitting my part-time job before my senior year may have kept me from starting college with a small or medium bank account which would be helpful now. And buying that old 'cool' car, because most of my friends had one is costing mom and I plenty on repairs. I am paying a little more of my own expenses than I had imagined, so my new work-study job is hard-pressed to keep me in 'spending money'. Many times mom said I should have.......